My DC would be majorly jealous of a play which included a starring, not-being-slain role for a dragon. They are always on the dragon's side (except, come to think of it, if their school did such a play and they didn't get the role of the dragon, there would be hell to pay).

That's what I mean Grimma, there should be no other forms of religious exclusivity and no grouping of people by religion. Everyone was welcomed, that was his teaching.

Muslims today recognise Jesus Christ and the Magi, (whether they were sorcerers or astrologists, from Yemen or Iran,) as do other religions, however posters on here are saying that we have to keep the Nativity as "Christian". Anyone has a right to be at the Nativity in whatever costume they choose.

Also not everyone is saying their child is in a Nativity play, so perhaps other aspects of Saturnalia or European folklore about the darkest month of the year and bringing greenery into the house should be taught, so that children don't end up with one point of view and learn from history - all of it.

Neither, obviously! Christianity didn't exist until after the death of Jesus, and Mohammed was centuries later. Some sources reckon the Magi would have been Zoroastrians; the majority of the rest of the nativity cast would have been Jewish.

Why the ? The traditional mummers play (which we attempted when I was at school 40 years ago instead of the usual nativity) includes Father Christmas, and St George, though he usually dispatches the Turkish Knight rather than a dragon. And a doctor and Beelzebub. Wonderful traditional mishmash.

Christmas isn't much to do with the birth of Jesus at all. It's a period of celebration hijacked by Christians in order to stop the nasty heathens celebrating in their non-Christian ways. All the Christmas trees, mistletoe, yule logs, gift giving stuff is nowt to do with Jesus who wasn't even born in December anyway. I do hope that if you're going to be sanctimonious about something as lovely as a school show, you take care not to have any pagan symbols or traditions in your home at Christmas.

My Dad's Othodox and as religious as they come and even he acknowledges Christmas as nothing to do with the birth of Jesus.

Christmas means different things to different people and it's a mishmash of traditions from which we pick and choose. Thankfully, nearly all of the things we can pick from are lovely, kind, generously-spirited traditions which we share with our nearest and dearest in the ways we see fit. Some of the elements are Christian. Screeching rudely about the ways in which people do things, about the ways in which we celebrate and rejoice is neither Christian nor kind.

And it's bugger all to do with not offending other religions. DH's nativity 25yrs ago had aliens in it. This was feck all to do with not offending the non-existant scientologists in his tiny village primary but everything to do with creating an imaginative, engaging story for the children to take part in. And yes there was a donkey and a baby Jesus too.

DD's school is taking the time to promote generosity, kindness, humility and friendship through their Christmas play and it doesn't get more Christian than that. If a sloth and a warthog happen to turn up to witness it all, then all power to the parents making the costumes, frankly. Baby Cheesus and the Virginia Creeper will of course be making an appearance. It matters not a jot.

Ds is going to be one of 24 waiters/waitresses in a greek restraunt !! I await with interest how THAT fits into a nativity play. On the plus side, no sewing required, grey trews and white shirt ( ie uniform) only.

Lissie when is God's big moment (as it were)? The out-of-context shepherdess has frilly dress and bonnet but insists she needs an apron as well . Curse all those people who bought her "yukky bedtime stories for girls" books with Little Bo Peep in.

I'm aware of the significance of the name thank you, no need to patronise. The celebration of the holiday has changed. Few people go to church on xmas day now, for example. For many its not about the birth of jesus, despite the name, its about famillies and joy and love.

How on earth has a lighthearted thread about christmas plays taken this turn?

I love the fact that the nativity has moved on. Christmas is about more than the birth of jesus (whether you believe or not) its about family and goodwill and kindness. The extended cast also means that every child feels like they matter and have contributed. I love ds's teacher for recasting him as god, it shows sense of humour (CofE school in a village, very involved in the local church) and has made ds, who joined 6m ago and struggled to settle in, feel 10ft tall!